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Chimney & Fireplaces/Preway Zero Clearance Fireplace D-298739 fix or dump

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Expert: - 1/18/2008


Question
Hi,
In the process of remodeling our family room that has a Preway Zero Clearance Fireplace D-298739 in it.  House was built in mid 60's not sure if fireplace is orig. to house or came some time later.
I appreciate your review of my questions and I realize it's hard to give specific answers with out seeing it in person.  I could send a picture if that would help in your evaluation.
The fireplace doors are not working real well and wondering if this is the time to find out what can be done to fix or salvage it, replace it, or remove it.
It has been set on top of a built up brick hearth and has brick work to the sides and above to ceiling.
Can it be replaced without tearing down the brick surround?
Are there qualified people that could inspect it and repair and insure it's safe to use?
Would the expense for having work done on it with it's age not be worth it?  Not sure of what the best way to proceed is?  Would not be the end of the world if I had to take the whole thing down could use the space but having a working fireplacee is very nice to have.
Thanks,
Ed

Answer
Ed,

First, yes, there are qualified people to inspect your fireplace system and recommend action at that point. You can "Google" fireplace inspections and easily find folks to inspect.

Second, Yes, the brick surround traditionally require removal and replacement if the system is changed out.

Third, I would just replace it, "Preway" has been out of business for many years and replacement parts are no longer available. There is no reason to go without a fireplace and I recommend you look into an EPA certified high efficiency fireplace. Good luck.

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Randy Brooks

Expertise

Inspection of Masonry, Pre-cast Tilt-up, and Factory Built Fireplaces as well as Free Standing & Insert, Gas, and Wood Appliances. We also provide Hearth Fire Loss Investigations, Litigation Support, Consulting Services, Flue Sweeping, Installation and Repair. Additionally, I’ve been a chimney sweep for 23 years, service and install hearth appliances as well as being recognized by the Superior Court of California as an expert witness.

Experience

Brooks Chimney Sweeping Since 1989 Ojai, CA Owner / President www.brooks-hearth.com

Organizations
NCSG, MEMBER,(National Chimney Sweep Guild), Member since 1990, Board of Directors representing Region 6, (CA, NV, AZ, UT, OR, WA, ID, WY, MT, AK and HI,) 2004-2011, ethics committee chair, 2004-2005, executive committee member, Vice President, 2006-2008, President, 2008-2011. CSIA, BOD (Chimney Safety Institute of America,) Board of Directors, ethics committee chair, 2004-2005, executive committee member, Secretary, 2005-2006, Vice President, 2006-2008, President, 2008-2011. HPBA, MEMBER, (Hearth, Patio, & BBQ Association,) since 2002. NFPA Member, (National Fire Protection Association) Since 2009. Technical Committee member for the 211 Standard.

Education/Credentials
California State Licensed Contractor, C61-D34, #750710. http://www2.cslb.ca.gov C.S.I.A., (Chimney Safety Institute of America,) Certified Chimney Sweep, #2580. Held since 1990 re-certified in ‘93, ‘96, ‘99, ‘02, ‘05, '08,'11. http://www.csia.org F.I.R.E. (Fireplace Investigation, Research & Education Service,) Certified Inspector, #FP-006. Held since 2000, re-certified in ’03, ‘06. http://www.f-i-r-e-service.com Fireplace Investigation, Research & Education Service,) Advance Expert Consulting & Witness, certificate, ’05 N.F.I. (National Fireplace Institute,) Certified Gas & Wood-Burning Specialist, #133851. Held since 2002, re-certified in '05,‘08. http://nficertified.org

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